Senior citizens getting back to work in Gulfport

Getting seniors back to work is the goal of Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District through the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Today, the group held its annual ‘Host Agency Supervisor Appreciation Luncheon’ to thank organizations and government entities for partnering with the program.

The luncheon consisted of an award ceremony where the ‘most outstanding host award’ was given to the Goodwill of South Mississippi for hiring the most seniors in the program. This program is open to people ages 55 and older who meet specific income requirements. Participants receive on-the-job training and are paid for their time.

Enrollment Program Specialist and participant Sheree Adams says these services are a tremendous help to senior’s health. “It’s so important for seniors to stay active, to still contribute to our community. They have a lot to offer and we want them to get a job. This gets them back in the workforce, gets them trained back in computers. They increase their typing skills and they’re able to sustain unsubsidized employment.”

The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District has more than one hundred contracts with host agencies in the lower 15 counties.